Job Discussion Forums

[ShefRich]

Again in reference to the interviews I have coming up...

I have interests in Aikido, Japanese cusine, and a fascination with the general beauty of Japanese countryside.

I also have a strong interest in English language and general linguistics which I have lots of evidence for.

I was wondering what other interests and qualities would indicate well to the interviewers that I will fit well in Japanese culture and work well as an English teacher?

Thanks for the help,
Rich

[ShefRich]

And specifically an interest I'd very much like to include but I'm hesitant about...

I'm an experienced guitarist and I've been in an indie band for several years (played many gigts and so on).

I don't know if I should mention this. I can see myself forming/joining a band in Japan, but should I tell the interviewers about this? Would it be seen as unprofessional?

Not sure...

Thanks

[jonathanj]

It all sounds fine. Just be yourself, and be genki. Many jobs, especially when it comes to teaching children, want an outgoing person who doesn't mind being an English speaking clown.

[ripslyme]

[Glenski]

If it were me interviewing you, I'd think, hmm, band? That means you're going to stay out late and not be in good shape to teach the next day.

You DO seem to be trying too hard. As mentioned earlier, be yourself. If you really want to impress someone, do that for starters. Want to show impressive credentials for teaching? Get a TEFL certificate, tutor kids on the side right now, write some publications relevant to the field, learn enough Japanese to read something important, etc.

A lot will depend solely on your chemistry.

[gaijinalways]

I'd second that on the band thing. As to

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

It's "sesame seeds", gaijinalways. "Grinding sesame seeds."

NCTBA

[Squire22]

If you have experiences living/working/extensive travel in other countries then I would say those could be things to mention too. It demonstrates that you are comfortable in different cultures and you could mention things that you might have done whilst there to adapt to the local culture etc. It's not Japan specific, but if an employer sees that you have the ability to be flexible in new environments then they will more likely feel more comfortable hiring you with the knowledge that you won't get here, not know what to do, and do a runner because the culture was such a shock.

[ShefRich]

Very helpful, thanks. I've got three interviews over the next four months, I'll be sure to post details.

[gaijinalways]

You're right (goma it is), but rice sounds better !

[David W]

Tell them your hobbies are driving and sleeping, you'll be a shoe-in. And don't listen to Glenski about the band thing, no-one will care if you play guitar in a band, you're not going to be playing 7 nights a week. It's not as if the Japanese don't go out partying and come to work the worse for wear either.
Actually the best advice is to try to convince the interviewer that you're someone he/she is not going to have to worry about. You're not going to be late all the time, you're going to be even-tempered, you're not going to argue the toss about everything, you're not going to make the students feel uncomfortable, you're not going to be a slob and you're not going to let them down.

[worldwide_soul]

In my opinion, I think you need to display that you're a well-rounded people person. As your job is primarily working with people, it's important to demonstrate that you enjoy it and that you are personable. In terms of the guitar thing, I wouldn't worry about it too much. Don't talk about it a lot, obviously, but I wouldn't worry about mentioning it. For a job with children (and I am thinking mainly in the public schools here - not sure about eikaiwas), it's actually a plus. I have been told that a great thing to do is to bring an instrument to school, especially a guitar as you can make up english songs or play english songs and teach the kids the words. If I could play guitar, I'd love to be able to do that.

[gaijinalways]

Good point, a good way to spin that and it is a useful skill. Here you're emphasizing something that will help your teaching, not a hobby outside of school.

[ShefRich]

Thanks a lot for all the positive input. Very helpful. If you lot are good examples of the kind of people who fit well in this job I'm becomming more keen by the minute.

[Vince]

Having Japanese interests helps, but it's by far secondary to demonstrating that you can do the job, keep the students coming back, and not be troublesome. If I were interviewing again, I'd mention the interests in passing if it came up, but I wouldn't overemphasize it.